[Reduced expression of miR-218 and its significance in gastric cancer].

Objective To investigate the expression and function of miR-218 in gastric cancer. Methods miR-218 levels were evaluated in 20 non-cardia gastric cancer tissues using TaqMan stem-loop real-time PCR analysis. Prc-miR-218 and anti-miR-218 inhibitor were used to change the miR-218 expression level and examine its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and cell invasion. Results Comparing with the corresponding normal tissues, miR-218 expression was significantly reduced in the gastric cancer tissue （P 〈0.01 ）. Forced expression of miR-218 increased apoptosis in AGS cells. The proportion of apoptosis cells induced by transfection of pre-miR-218 was greater than that induced by control （21.6% vs. 10.4% , P =0. 032）. Pre-miR-218 resulted in a significantly decreased cell growth activity （P 〈0.01 ） and cell invasion （ P 〈 0.05） of AGS cells compared with that of the control. Conclusion miR-218 expression is reduced in gastric cancer, miR-218 may function as a tumor suppressor in gastric carcinoma. Key words: Stomach neoplasms ;  miR-218 ;  Cell proliferation;  Cell apoptosis